"The Emperor commands you make contact with him." - Admiral Piett An essential character from Hasbro's Original Trilogy Collection will be available exclusively through StarWarsShop.com. The mastermind of the dark plot that consumes the galaxy, Emperor Palpatine is presented as seen in Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back as an action figure for the very first time.

The ghastly visage of the twisted Emperor peers from beneath his heavy cowl as he contacts Darth Vader via hologram to inform him of a new threat. The Rebel that destroyed the Death Star is none other than the offspring of Anakin Skywalker. From this fateful communiqué, the Sith Lords concoct a new insidious scheme - they will corrupt Luke, and bring him to the dark side.

This new rendition of Emperor Palpatine is now cast in translucent plastic to simulate the ghostly hologram effect. Though only the upper body of the Emperor is seen during this broadcast, the entire figure has been molded, complete with a removable cane accessory to properly depict the character made famous by Ian McDiarmid.

The figure comes in Original Trilogy Collection packaging, with the black and silver Star Wars logo rendered in a style reminiscent of the original Kenner figures. The Emperor: Executor Transmission will be available worldwide only through StarWarsShop.com.

The figure is expected to ship in October 2004, in celebration of the Star Wars Trilogy DVD. However, as a special benefit to members of Hyperspace: The Official Star Wars Fan Club, the figure will be made first available for pre-order to members only starting in August. Quantities of the figure will be limited, so you'll want to sign-up today to be ready to reserve yours and enjoy access to other exclusive StarWarsShop.com offers, exclusive online content, six issues of Star Wars Insider magazine, and more."

Keeping with the at least approach.... at least it's not that gawdawful Saga version of the emperor.

I'm a fan club member, but not a hyperspace member, though I have no idea if it has transferred over because I no longer have a choice??? I think my membership expires around then anyway, so it probably won't matter. I'll be picking one up

As we reported yesterday StarWarsShop.com will have an Exclusive Figure this fall. The word on the street is that this will be an OTC Emperor Palpatine. Not sure if this will be a recarded Saga figure or a new sculpt at this time. Experience from the OTC line indicates a recard, however. Keep tuned for more info as we receive it.

Ding Ding Ding...more proof that JD.com r00lz

As for the figure, I'll buy 1 or 2, its not what I expected, I was hoping for a Giant Head But its unique enough to warrant a purchase

Looks fairly nifty to me, especially if they get the background right. And my first thought when I saw that was the same thing - confirmation that McDiarmid has been edited into the ESB Emperor footage for the upcoming DVDs.

Just glad to see they didn't use that Saga atrocity. Well done Hasbro. You'll learning! (kinda)